2017 BMW 420 2.0L Diesel · NV17 VVG

The most recent MOT on 2025-07-16 recorded a fail due to excessive wear in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint , alongside recurring issues with suspension arm bushings and anti-roll bar linkage ball joints . A separate pass on the same date noted similar but less severe faults, suggesting potential inconsistency in the testing or repair process. Recurring mechanical patterns include suspension component wear , particularly in the front lower suspension arms (bushings, ball joints) and brake discs (wear, pitting). These issues have persisted across multiple MOTs since 2023, with progressive worsening evident in the 2025 fail, where the offside front suspension ball joint was described as "excessively worn" compared to earlier "slight play" or "worn but not excessive" reports. The vehicle’s mileage of 121,412 miles at 9 years old equates to ~13,500 miles annually, which is high for its age . This suggests frequent use, increasing the likelihood of accelerated wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. However, the absence of major defects in earlier MOTs (e.g., 2023) indicates the wear may have developed relatively recently, possibly due to heavy usage or insufficient maintenance. The trend shows worsening suspension wear , with critical components like ball joints and bushings requiring attention. Brake disc condition remains a concern, as pitting and scoring were noted in 2025. Tyre wear (inner edges) also points to potential alignment or suspension misalignment issues.